When discussing the most perfect holiday destinations, Los Cabos in Mexico usually appears within the top ten and, for many people, it’s number one. Los Cabo beaches are some of the best in the world. This stunning paradise with its mixture of mountains, desert, and spectacular beaches has it all: shopping, nightlife, golf courses, breathtaking ocean views, fantastic food and drink, warm hospitality and a laid-back atmosphere.
Whether you want to play sports, party, spot celebrities or just chill, Los Cabos has something for everyone.
Los Cabos is made up of two main towns on the tip of the Baja Peninsula: the quaint and quiet San Jose del Cabo, full of Mexican charm, and Cabo San Lucas, a luxurious haunt for partygoers and celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and George Clooney.
The towns are connected by a 22-mile stretch of highway known as ‘The Tourist Corridor,’ which runs along the coast of the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California. The other side of the peninsula is flanked by the Pacific Ocean.
With 350 days of guaranteed sunshine a year, it’s no wonder Los Cabos is called ‘the paradise between two seas.’
The peninsula boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, three of which are Blue Flag certified. Before looking at the best ones, a word of caution: tempted as you may be to dive in to the clear blue waters, many of the beaches at Los Cabos are not suitable for swimming. The unpredictable rip tides, powerful undertows and the force of the waves breaking against the shore make it very dangerous to swim or even wade. Take note of the warning signs ‘Stay Out, Stay Alive,’ and don’t swim in those areas, even if the water seems relatively calm.
However, there are a number of beaches where you can swim and snorkel safely.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best beaches in Los Cabos for swimming, snorkeling, surfing or for just enjoying the spectacular views from the water’s edge.
Cabo San Lucas
Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach)
Nestled against a backdrop of prehistoric granite rocks, this beautiful beach on the Land’s End headland is only accessible by boat. As Lover’s Beach lies on the calmer Sea of Cortez side, it has generally safe swimming conditions. It is also a fantastic spot for snorkeling. The clear waters here have an abundance of fascinating marine life to explore.
The secluded beach is an ideal picnic spot, although you’ll need to bring your own supplies, as there are no facilities here.
Jump in a water taxi (panga), take a glass-bottom boat ride here from Cabo San Lucas marina, or hire a kayak and paddle over from Medano Beach. It’s also worth seeing the distinctive arch of Caco San Lucas, otherwise known as El Arco.
Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach)
A gap in the rocks on Lover’s Beach will take you to the Pacific side of the headland. Divorce Beach is aptly named because the waters here are in direct contrast to the calmer sea at Lover’s Beach. The treacherous shore break and powerful currents of the Pacific Ocean are unforgiving and extremely dangerous, so swimming here is strictly forbidden.
However, the clean stretch of white sandy beach is a great spot for sunbathing and offers breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean. Lie back and feel the sand between your toes while listening to the waves crashing against the shore, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach and explore the nooks and crannies of the rocky headland.
Playa el Médano (Medano Beach)
The golden sands of Medano Beach, also known as ‘The Dune,” stretch for two miles from the east side of the harbor all the way to Villa del Palmar. It’s one of the most popular beaches in Los Cabos, and also one of the safest places for swimming.
Easily accessible from the heart of Cabo San Lucas, Medano has a range of amenities including beachside restaurants, bars, clubs and spas. Activities on offer include beach volleyball, water sports including jet ski and kayak hire, snorkeling and diving excursions, parasailing and even horse riding.
There are plenty of activities such as banana boat rides to keep kids amused, and the relatively uncrowded Villa del Palmer to the north has calm, surf-free waters that are perfect for families with younger children.
The place to see and be seen, Medano is the social hub of Los Cabos and the ultimate party beach. The atmosphere is buzzing and the emphasis here is on having fun, with many beach parties continuing all day and well into the night.
Playa Coral Negro and Playa Balconcito (Cannery Beaches)
If you want to get away from the tourist crowds, then head to the Cannery Beaches. This is where the locals hang out, and with good reason. Children can swim safely here and the lack of bars and beach vendors trying to sell you souvenirs means you can relax in peace.
Playa Solmar (Solmar Beach)
Another tranquil beach where you won’t be bugged by beach vendors is Solmar on the Pacific side of Land’s End.
Accessible from Boulevard Marina where you pass through luxury resorts such as Grand Solmar, TerraSol and Playa Grande, Solmar is one of the most beautiful beaches in Los Cabos.
This tranquil beach is rarely crowded and is ideal for a picnic or romantic stroll while watching the spectacular sunsets. From January to March you can see whales from the shore.
Beautiful as it is, Solmar is not a swimming beach. The waves and undertows make for extremely dangerous swimming conditions, so keep your feet on dry land and leave the ocean to the whales.
Tourist Corridor
Playa Santa Maria (Santa Maria Beach)
This Blue Flag beach is shaped like a horseshoe and features unusual pink-colored coarse sand and calm waters for safe swimming. The bay overlooks a protected marine sanctuary where you can snorkel with colorful marine life.
Playa Chileno (Chileno Beach)
Another good beach for swimming and snorkeling is nearby Chileno. The Blue Flag beach is well-known for its clean, high quality water, safety and services including disabled access, public restrooms and showers.
The marine sanctuary, enclosed by several reefs that run parallel to the beach, has over 80 varieties of marine life including sea turtles.
Chileno is a great family beach with plenty of palapas, umbrellas and palm-shaded areas. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic.
Playa Bledito (Tequila Cove)
This crescent-shaped beach is situated in front of the Hilton Los Cabos and Meliá Cabo Real resorts and is flanked by two top class golf courses, Cabo Real and El Dorado.
The protected waters of the constructed breakwater provide safer swimming conditions, and jet skis and wave runners are available to hire.
The resorts offer plenty of ocean view dining opportunities, and the long stretch of beach is perfect for an after-lunch walk, early morning jog or horseback ride.
Playa las Viudas (Widow’s Beach)
Widow’s Beach isn’t the usual tourist haunt, but it’s an ideal spot if you’re looking for privacy and relaxation away from the crowds.
The surrounding landscape is made up of unusual volcanic rock formations, coves and inlets, making it a great beach for walking and exploring.
Swimming isn’t recommended here but you can still enjoy exploring the tide pools, or spend a romantic evening gazing at stars.
Playa Palmilla (Palmilla Beach)
The third Blue Flag beach is the long wide bay of Palmilla, which offers a protected area for swimming and snorkeling.
Palmilla is a popular family beach and makes a good viewing point during whale season. Fishing is popular in the area, and you can watch the fishing boats returning with their catches in the afternoon, or even have a go at surf fishing at the southern rock point.
San Jose del Cabo
Playa Costa Azul (Blue Coast Beach)
The premier surfing spot on Los Cabos is a mecca for surf enthusiasts of all levels. It’s also host to the World Surf League every year in June.
The surf breaks to the north, known as ‘Zippers,’ are suitable for advanced surfers. To the south, the Rock break is best for intermediates while the Old Man’s break is gentle enough for beginners and long boarders, and is also used for surfing lessons.
The beach is a popular spot for beach walking, surf fishing and horse riding, while swimming and snorkeling are popular in the winter months when the surf is calmer.
If you’re looking for a refreshing beer or casual dining, head to Zipper’s Bar and Grill, the number one hangout for the surfing crowd.
Playa el Estero (Estuary Beach)
Estuary Beach can be found at the very end of Hotel Row in San Jose del Cabo. It’s opposite the San Jose del Cabo estuary where a variety of birdlife can be spotted including cranes, egrets, ibis and osprey. There’s also a freshwater lagoon where you can go kayaking when the water level is high enough.
Playa la Playita (Little Beach)
Little Beach is one of the newest beaches in Los Cabos and is a favorite with locals during the weekend. An area inside the harbor entrance has been roped off to create a safe swimming area while the summer swells towards the estuary provide decent surfing conditions. The area is also a popular fishing spot and big game fishing excursions and charters part from here all year round.
Little Beach is well equipped for families, featuring a children’s play area, clean restrooms and plenty of palapas to shade you from the sun. There is also a range of restaurants and mini-marts within walking distance.
East Cape
Playa la Laguna (Lagoon Beach)
Los Cabos beaches aren’t always big and celebrity-studded. Just three miles from Little Beach, you’ll find the small beachfront community of La Laguna. Further along is a hidden gem, Lagoon Beach. The small beach is usually deserted, so it’s ideal for those wanting absolute privacy. The sea is fairly calm and safe to swim in, while on land the tidal pools and rock formations are just waiting to be explored.
Punta Pescadero (Fisherman’s Point)
Further along the stunning coastline is the fishing resort of Punta Pescadero. The route is peppered with unspoiled, practically deserted beaches, perfect for a picnic and a relaxing day’s sunbathing away from the crowds. The waters here are teeming with fascinating sea life so don’t forget your snorkeling gear.
Todos Santos
Los Cerritos
This crescent-shaped expanse of beach with a backdrop of cliffs is a real gem and a popular spot for surfing. It’s relatively safe to swim here too.
The Cerritos Beach Club & Surf rents out surfboards, longboards, boogie boards and umbrellas. Surfing lessons are also available. The Club also offers a range of activities including jet ski tours, horseback riding, kayaking and mountain bike tours.
The Club’s beachside restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Sunday afternoons you can enjoy local live jazz music while sipping on a cold beer and feasting on fresh seafood platters. The club even has its own tequila.
Los Cerritos is one the place to come for some serious chilling out and to adopt the slow-paced Mexican way of life the area’s famous for.
Playa la Poza Beach
You’ll have to endure a bumpy ride along a dusty, cacti-lined road to get to this beach, but it’s definitely worth it. Playa la Poza is a great place for walking, fishing and enjoying the spectacular sunsets. It’s not a swimming beach but there’s a freshwater lagoon nearby that’s suitable. The lagoon is also a good place for birdwatching.
But the real highlight of this beautiful spot occurs from December to March during the whale season. From the beach you can watch grey and humpback whales swim along the shoreline, sometimes really close. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
If you want to experience the stunning beaches of Los Cabos, Time & Place has an elite selection of luxury vacation rentals so you can holiday in style. For more information about the area or to discuss our luxurious accommodation options, contact us today.